For the criminal Wilbur did not come shamed and slinking, but with rather an uplift.

Behind him gloomily trod the Merle twin.

Even at a distance he was disapproving, accusatory, put upon.

It was to be seen that he washed his hands of the evil.
"Whatever in the world--" began Mrs.Penniman, for Wilbur in the hollow of his arm bore a forked branch upon which seemed to perch in all confidence a free bird of the wilds.
"A stuffed bird!" said the peering Winona, and dispelled this illusion.
The twins entered the gate.

Midway up the gravelled walk Wilbur Cowan began a gurgling oration.
"I bet nobody can guess what I brought! Yes, sir--a beautiful present for every one--that will make a new man of poor old Judge Penniman, and this lovely orange--that's for Mrs.Penniman--and I bet Winona can't guess what's wrapped up in this box for her--it's the most beautiful album, and this first-class animal for my father, and it'll last a lifetime if he takes care of it good; and I got me a dog to watch the house." Breathless he paused.
"Spent all his money!" intoned Merle.